Why Business Retailers should Embrace Social Media?

Just a few years ago the formula for success consisted of finding the right commercial retail location, suppliers and traditional advertising such as print and radio.

Social media has changed not only how consumers shop but how they find, connect and talk about your business. “The web has changed from something we do to how we live”, according to social media experts.  

There are four main points to consider in keeping up with social media in business.

First, business owners need to truly learn and know about their customers; what is their family and social circumstance, their level of community involvement and expectations as potential and continuing customers.

Secondly, it’s critical to learn what is being talked about online. What are customers saying about your business, products or services?

The third step is to stay connected! This can be done by being proactive in conversation by asking engaging questions designed to elicit responses and draw people into the conversation.

Last but not least, regularly reviewing your social media analytic to make sure you are on track.

Some final advice from experts: “Keep things on a human level not just business”.

 Finding the best location for your retail business is foremost.  Sharp Realty has over 20 years of experience and many locations throughout the United States. Contact us today to get started.

Blog by:

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com
Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

 

8 Ways to Get Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store

The main goal of any retail store is to get customers to walk through your front door! Here are some tips to drive foot traffic to a bricks-and-mortar store.

1. Have a grand opening or re-grand opening. 

Make this day as big a deal as possible. Provide food, offer door prizes, and serve up other enticements and entertainment to make the day memorable. And, while you're doing it, keep tabs on who shows up by having them register to win a prize by providing their name and email address.  

2. Plan on holding other promotional events.
Any promotional event that draws attention can be effective. Look into an in-store raffle or giveaway, and advertise the event on social media (free) and as widely as your budget will allow. Connect with a local celebrity — say, an author or sports figure — having him or her on the premises can bring in clientele. But, no matter what you do, make it exciting and appealing to the public.

3. Make your business newsworthy.
By being newsworthy it attracts business beyond a 24-hour window.  For example, try donating a portion of the day's take to charity can win a flattering article in your local newspaper. Or investigate whether a local radio station would be willing to broadcast live on the day of your promotional event. The key is to grab the attention of customers who can't make it in at that particular time. That drives foot traffic in the future. This makes it all the more likely the customer will read or hear about it and come check it out." 

4. Have a sale.
Nothing beats the lure of something that's less expensive for a limited amount of time. Do an e-mail blast campaign to existing and to boost foot traffic, urge them to bring a friend to receive something free or additional discounts. Have a group or individual check-in deal on Facebook for the event.

5. Host a seminar or workshop.
Boosting foot traffic doesn't even have to involve a direct effort to sell a product or service. These days, education is every bit as important and value-added, as consumers want to know how to get the most out of what they buy.

6. Use Social Media! Social Media is free and a great way to STAY connected with your customers and gain new customers. Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are great ways to drive foot traffic to the retail location.

7. Promote a mall walking program. Convincing your complex owner to host a mall walker program can provide free publicity and exposure for the store and can literally increase foot traffic near your store.  Mall walker programs are an excellent way to market your store and have a positive impact. Centers often encourage mall walker programs by helping to organize clubs, offering discounts, and providing health checkups onsite.

8. Follow up with your contacts.Keep encouraging foot traffic by staying in touch with customers by different ways, such as social media or e-mail blast. Let them know about events and encourage them to share the news with friends on social media.  

For great tips and retail locations available for lease follow us on Facebook or Twitter.


Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Retail Space for Lease in Midfield Alabama

The West Hills Plaza shopping center has 153,000 square foot of retail center with space available for lease. Wal-Mart across the street.

The anchor stores are Citi Trends, Fred’s, Burger King.

Other retail stores include Riviera Fitness, Rally’s, Compass Bank.

Krispy Crème Doughnuts, Rent – A- Center, Shoe Show,

Top Fashions (Men’s Clothing Store).

About the community:

Midfield is a town in Jefferson County, Alabama. It is south of Fairfield and part of the Birmingham–Hoover–Cullman Combined Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, it had a population of 11,312 people.

Midfield’s city school system is good; the Midfield metro provides countless activities and various types of entertainment for everyone, including a wealth of natural resources for outdoor recreation.

West Hills Plaza has High Visibility and High FootTraffic Count!
Out-Parcels are also available for lease.

Contact Sharp Realty for details.
www.SharpRealty.com
205.879.1995

Retail Space Available - Georgia

Madison Crossing 1700 Eatonton Road Madison, GA 30650

Retail space for lease in this 63,239 SF Retail Shopping Center

Click for more details

With anchor stores: Bi-Lo (41,423 SF)

Click for more details

Other Tenants Include: The Cato Corp. Shoe Show, Hong Kong Restaurants, Fancy Nails, Madison Family Dentistry and Orthodontist Center.

Click for more details

Madison Crossing Mall is located east of Atlanta - see area map of location.

Demographic Snapshot     3 miles - 5 miles - 10 miles
Population                           6,058  -   8,855  -  18,928
Households                          2,341  -   3,351  -  6,942
Av. Household Income         72,955 -   73,152 -  73,988


Other Shopping Centers, Malls and Offices available for lease.

 

Contact Rhonda at Sharp Realty

www.SharpRealty.com

205-879-1995

Franchise Owners - Do you Need Store Locations?

Sharp Realty & Management, LLC specializes in the acquisition and redevelopment of real estate assets and has a successful track record in value creation. Sharp Realty currently owns and manages over 2,000,000 square feet of space.

Shopping Centers with Retail & Outparcels Space Available for Lease 

Space Available in Troy, Alabama
Southland Village - 104,496 SF Retail Center
Anchors: Dollar General, Rite-Aid, Anytime Fitness, Tractor Supply Company and Farmer’s Home Furniture. Other Tenants Include: Med-South, Inc., Sunny’s Beauty Supply.

Click for More Information & Photos

Retail Space  Available - Northport, Alabama
Northport Corners – 165,000 SF Retail Center
Anchors: K-Mart Department Store (86,467 SF) Other local and national tenants include: Chick fil-A, Hibbett Sporting Goods, Bedzz Express, Taco Bell, Celebration Bakery, Heavenly Ham, Subway, Check Advance, Arby's GNC and CATO Fashions.

Click for More Information & Photos

Retail Space  Available - Midfield, Alabama
West Hills Plaza – 153,000 SF Strip Center
Anchors: Citi Trends, Fred's, Burger King, Riviera Fitness, Rally's, Compass Bank, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Rent-A-Center, Shoe Show and H & H Trading Company.

Click for More Information & Photos

Retail Space  Available - Adamsville, Alabama
Adamsville Town Center – 22,600 SF Strip Center
2.6 Acres on the east side of U.S Highway 78 containing a shopping center at red light of Wal-Mart Super Center.
Anchors: Dollar General.

Retail Space  Available - Madison, Georgia
Madison Crossing   - 63,239 SF Retail Center
Anchors: Bi-Lo (41,423 SF)
Other Tenants Include: The Cato Corp. Shoe Show, Hong Kong Restaurants, Fancy Nails, Madison Family Dentistry and Orthodontist Center

Click for More Information & Photos

Retail Space Available – Washington, Indiana

Cherry Tree Plaza - 143,600 SF Retail Center
Anchors: Peebles Department Store, Jay C Foods, Orscheln Farm & Home, Trader Baker's. Other Tenants Include: Southern Wireless, Hibbett Sports and Anytime Fitness.

Click For More Information & Photos

Call 205-879-1995
www.SharpRealty.com

Sharp Realty & Management, LLC
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al 35209

Thinking about opening a Retail Store?

Many people have a passion and their dream is to open a small business or franchise. Here are a few things to consider.

What type of Store?
Passion, determination and love of the store are key ingredients because you will spend a lot of hours in the store.

What kind of retailer?
Retail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mall, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery.

Where will it be located?

Location is the most important ingredient for any business that relies on customers. It is also one of the most difficult to plan for completely. Many turn to a Real Estate professional to help guide them because they typically know the business area and what is available.  

How big of a store do you need?
Answering the above questions first will help determine the size. Also, working with the complex’s manager before signing a lease to determine what best suits your needs.

How important is an anchor store to drive foot traffic?
When you are looking for the right complex for your store notice what type of anchor stores are in the complex to draw foot traffic to the shopping complex.

Free consultations are available at Sharp Realty to help you find the BEST location to fulfill your dream.

Phone: 205-879-1995 * www.SharpRealty.com